When you gamble in Las Vegas (or, anywhere else) there is one fact that you should always keep in mind…
The odds are in the house’s favor! And, if you gamble long enough, they will win your money!
However, there are some things you can do to keep a bit of your hard earned cash…
Most Las Vegas visitors that gamble frequently during their stay will have times when they are losing, and times when they are ahead. The problem is… human nature, and that’s a thing that the casinos can always count on. When a person is losing, they will continue to play in hopes of “getting even”, and, when they are ahead, they want to “ride the streak” to increase their winnings. Both of these things are good for the House, and bad for the player.
In the world of legal (and not so legal) gambling, one thing is constant and certain. The math. All Las Vegas gambling games, from craps and blackjack to the Wheel of Fortune, have payouts that reserve a certain percentage of the total handle (the total amount bet over a period of time) for the “house take”. This percentage can range from less than 1 percent to 17 percent, and even more, and is determined by the payout odds. So, no matter who wins or who loses, the House will get it’s “take”.
That’s the one thing that most casual gamblers don’t understand! And, it’s the one thing that always costs them more money…
You see, the House doesn’t care if you win or lose! Their “hold” percentage will always be held, and the only way to increase the dollar amount is to increase the “total handle” (the total amout that is bet over a period of time). So, if you’re losing, and continue to play to try and “get even”, then the handle increases, so the “hold” amount increases. And, if you’re winning, and you continue to play to try and increase your winnings, then again, the handle increases, and, again, the “hold” increases. Both situations are good for the House, but not good for you….
Because of “the math”!
If there is one fact that is certain in Las Vegas, it’s this:
- If you play long enough, you will lose!
“The Math” won’t have it any other way!
So, what’s a guy to do? Not Gamble at all?
Of course not! That’s why you came to Vegas!
The best way to beat the “hold” is to limit your gambling sessions to a certain period of time, and, when the time has passed, stop for a while. Win, lose. or push, get up and go for a walk, or have a sandwich, or go shopping, or…
This is especially important if you’re winning. If you choose to keep playing, and you play long enough, you will lose. The math won’t have it any other way!
